Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem

[JoLin]

I got a new Teleflex steering rack and cable to replace the old frozen one on my 1995 16' Sylvan. It's the same series cable (1984-2001) and it's routed the same way as the old one.

I ran the cable and hooked up the engine end. Swung the engine back and forth to confirm that the new cable is operating smoothly. Now up under the dash to install the rack end, and here's where I'm having issues. I lifted the rack into position and started the four hold-down bolts. Back at the engine end I confirmed that it still swings freely, so I centered the engine and then centered the steering wheel. Back under the dash I snugged up the bolts a bit (but didn't tighten them all the way).

I crawled back out from under the dash and went back to the motor- surprise, I can't move it. I loosened the hold down bolts under the dash bolts again, but left them in place. Now I can swing the motor by hand. When I do so, I can hear a 'ratcheting' sound from under the dash that (I assume) tells me the rack is just starting to engage the pinion. Started to tighten the bolts again, just a couple turns. I'm also being careful to go 'round robin' so the bolts draw the rack up evenly, a little at a time. Back to the engine and it's 'locked' again. Can't move it.

What the heck am I doing wrong? I haven't even gotten to the point yet where the bolts are tight and the rack is fully engaged with the pinion.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem

Did mine 10 years ago, I completely installed the helm and cable, then attached the motor end.

I would disconnect the motor end and go from there.

You should have detailed instructions included for how to install, center the wheel, etc.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem

What the OP failed to realize, is that when you can't remember that the new steering rack is supposed to mount 'rack down' ABOVE the helm, instead of 'rack up' BELOW it, you run into precisely the situation described above.

So I'm crammed in under the dash, scratching my head, when I had that sickening thought. 'Nah, I couldn't have...' but I did. And spent a couple hours troubleshooting it, too. AND documenting it for everybody!

I hearby nominate myself for the iboats 2012 'Wooden Head' award. :facepalm:

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem



Just Kidding. Good find though. That could have been quite troubling.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem

Well, at least you didn't end up with extra holes in the transom.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem

Well, at least you didn't end up with extra holes in the transom.

Sometimes I wonder if the day's coming when I'll leave the house without any pants on. And now I have my first boat to require removing and replacing the drain plug every time I use it. Gee, what could possibly go wrong?

Cherish your youth, people. Of all the things I've lost, it's my mind that I miss the most....

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Replacing Steering Cable- Have a Problem

i wouldn't fret over it to much ever one here has at one time or another and what makes this a great sight. No one knows everything. I recently added a tach and some gauges and while I am a electrician , I didn't slow down long enough to actually look the the hook up print until it didn't work. :facepalm: